American Ninja Warriors came out to play for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

On August 5, Jessie Graff and several other American Ninja Warrior stars were invited to take part in the first Play LA, benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The event brought kids face-to-face with professional athletes who led sports clinics, imparting skills and encouraging kids to stay active.

Some pretty cool non-Ninja names were there, like Laila Ali, Anderson Silva, Keyshawn Johnson, Marcellus Wiley, Shabazz Muhammad, Thomas Robinson, and Ryan Hollins.

All the funds raised from the event went to help ensure that critical, lifesaving care is available to all patients at CHLA, the top ranked pediatric hospital in California and ranked sixth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

We tagged along with Jessie for the day to help capture all the fun of Play LA!

Pretty much as soon as she arrived, the flipping began.

Jessie had a chance to meet and chat with Laila Ali. The two athletes discussed the similarities and differences in their sports and training.

She gave a few other activities a try, like hockey and basketball. Turns out, she plans to stick to Ninja-ing.

In an interview with Radio Disney, Jessie was asked which Disney princess she would like to dress up as on the course. Her response: Hercules

When talking to Landry Bender, from Disney Channel’s Best Friends Whenever, Jessie delved into the idea of growing from perceived failures, saying that falling is always part of the learning process, on and off the course.

Then American Ninja Warrior Travis Brewer arrived, and the flipping immediately started back up again.

See? Even Jessie Graff is still learning from her falls!

Once Ninja Warriors Nicholas Coolridge and Tiana Webberley dropped in, the stunt work really kicked into high gear.

Pretty sure this inflatable course was designed for just two people at a time. Oh well. Congrats on the win, Travis!

All the Ninjas who attended (including Flip Rodriguez, who made it just in time towards the end!) had a great day meeting young fans, hanging out together and benefiting the incredible work of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles!